OWINGS MILLS — Ravens coach John Harbaugh has not ruled out making changes to the offensive line against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday.
The Ravens kept the same starters for the first two games — left tackle Ronnie Stanley, left guard Andrew Vorhees, center Tyler Linderbaum, right guard Daniel Faalele, and right tackle Patrick Mekari.
That unit has struggled and Harbaugh is still looking for the best combination of players.
“It’s still competition, [and] it’s still up in the air for certain spots – that’s part of it,” Harbaugh said. “We’re going to go into this game and play the game, and I’m really excited because I think we’re going to play great. I believe our offensive line is going to play great – you have to believe that and feel that way, and I’m looking forward to it. And you probably will see some different guys in spots, so that’s just part of it.”
The Ravens could move Mekari to right guard for Faalele and insert rookie second-round pick Roger Rosengarten at right tackle. Faalele made the transition from tackle to guard this season and he is still learning the position; he was beaten badly on one play last Sunday by the Raiders’ Maxx Crosby. Ben Cleveland could also see some action at one of the guard positions.
Stanley has been rated as the best player on the offensive line by Pro Football Focus. Linderbaum is building back up after missing almost all of training camp with a neck injury.
Offensive coordinator said he has seen Todd Monken has seen gradual improvement from the line.
“Well, I think they’re getting better – I mean, I do think that,” Monken said. “Nothing of what we’ve done so far has been perfect; that starts with me and then every position. We have a long ways to go. We’ve taken a lot of steps this week to get there in terms of execution, but I’ve liked what I’ve seen.
“Now, we’ve just got to put it together consistently in everything that we do. Those guys, as well, I’ve seen them come along, and we’re going to continue to play those guys and play the guys that [have] the opportunity to play.”
